American Cancer Society Not Behind E-Mail Chain Letter
The American Cancer Society warned Internet users about an online scam that claims the society will donate money to cancer research for every person who responds.
Last November, an unknown user apparently began sending a chain letter that used a story about a 7-year-old girl dying of a brain tumor. It asked the recipients to forward the letter to as many people as possible.
While the motive is unknown, Audrey Yuen, the American Cancer Society’s Internet manager for California, surmised that its creator wanted to collect e-mail addresses for marketing reasons. The story about the girl with the tumor is unsubstantiated, she said.
The letter asks people to respond to an e-mail that it falsely claimed belonged to the Cancer Society.
About three weeks ago, a similar letter with the same message, e-mail address and an image of the Elmo doll was again e-mailed.
An official with the regional office of the Cancer Society said dozens of people have contacted them about the letter.
Margaret Edwards said the organization refers people to the Cancer Society’s Web page for a disclaimer regarding the scam and for accurate information on activities.
The American Cancer Society’ home page is https://www.cancer.org
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